Bihar liquor ban: SC refuses to extend license of four companies

The Supreme Court on 21 March, 2017 refused to extend license of four liquor companies in Bihar.

The apex court has also asked the Patna High Court to constitute a bench and hear the matter in a time bound manner and dispose it by 10 May, 2017.

The four liquor companies had knocked the doors of the top court, seeking an extension of their licenses and hear their pleas.

However, the bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra refused to grant any relief to the four companies.

The Bihar Government had in January, 2017 moved the Supreme Court seeking transfer of plea against the liquor ban legislation from the Patna High Court.

Alcohol companies had earlier moved the Patna High Court against the liquor ban.

The new legislation banning sale and consumption of alcohol, including Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) as well as spiced and domestic liquor, prescribes harsher punishment for possession and consumption of alcohol.

The apex court, last October, 2016, had stayed the Patna High Court's order quashing the notification banning consumption and sale of liquor in Bihar.